It can be really upsetting when your child has sensitive skin that can cause them to feel pain and discomfort each day of their lives. As a parent, you can feel powerless to help them, but actually, there are lots of things you can do to minimize the number of painful reactions your child has and to help keep them as comfortable as possible, even if they do have really sensitive skin, as you will see below.
Talk to a physician
First and foremost if you have noticed that your child is prone to skin irritations, rashes, and itchy blotches, you need to see a physician. It could be that they are seriously allergic to something or it could be that your doctor is better placed to recognize the various types of eczema on hands than you are. Often emollients and medications that can only be prescribed by a physician are the best treatment for a child’s skin irritation, so as a good parent, the doctor’s office should absolutely be your first port of call.
Try a different detergent
Often, it is laundry detergent that causes irritation to a child’s sensitive skin. Switching to a natural hypoallergenic version is quite often all it takes to stop your child from itching or developing painful rashes, so it is always worth making the swap, and trying various different brands if your first change does not work.
Switch to natural cleaning products
Something else that can irritate a child’s sensitive skin are the cleaning products that we use around our homes every day, many of them contain chemicals known as volatile organic compounds which can cause irritation and allergic reactions in many people. That is why, if your child has sensitive skin, you might want to look for natural cleaning products, or even make your own, to remove one potential source of irritation from their lives.
Keep your home spotlessly clean
As a busy parent, chances are you have a hectic life, but if your child has sensitive skin, it is really important that you make a real effort to keep up to date with your chores. The cleaner your home is, the less likely your child is to be exposed to common skin irritants and allergens like pet dander and dust mites, which are known to cause all manner of skin issues. You should at the very least, try to vacuum every day and change the bedding every week without fail if you want to keep irritants to a minimum.
Use fragrance-free toiletries
When it comes to things like soaps, shampoos, and deodorants if you are using them on your kids, you should look for fragrance-free options where possible. Many of the chemicals used to make toiletries smell good can cause irritation to sensitive young skin, or for anyone who suffers from allergies. Unscented soap might not be as much fun, but if it means your child will not itch or breakout in hives, then it is absolutely the best option for you all.
If you can manage to use unscented products yourself then that is even better because, of course, your child will be in close contact with you, giving you hugs and holding your hands, regularly, and they could well end up irritated by products you use in those circumstances if you are not careful.
Moisturize
For many kids, their skin issues become a lot worse when their skin dries out. This is something that is more likely to happen in the winter when weather conditions are at their toughest, but you should aim to moisturize your kids using a fragrance-free moisturizer, or natural ingredients like coconut oil (providing they do not react to it) every single day of the year. The more moisture in the skin, the less tight and painful it is likely to feel overall.
Buy natural fibers
Clothing is another big irritant for many kids with sensitive skin. Luckily, it is usually quite easy to avoid this kind of irritation by buying your children clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton and bamboo, rather than manmade alternatives like polyester. Not only are these materials naturally less itch-inducing, but they are also better at letting the skin breathe, which can be a huge help for kids who have eczema or other skin conditions, too.
Keep baths cool
If your child has sensitive skin, then putting them in a very hot bath or shower is not a good idea as hot water can make skin issues worse. Why? Because it strips the skin of the important oils that protect it and keep it moisturized. A cooler bath may not be quite as enjoyable at the tie, but if it means no sore skin at a later date, it is definitely a sacrifice worth making, and if you explain it to your kids just right, they will totally get it.
Oatmeal baths
If your child’s skin is really itchy and they are struggling to find relief, then putting them in a warm oatmeal bath is a great way t soothe them. The oatmeal releases water-binding polysaccharides, which act like a natural emollient to soothe and protect the skin. It’s great for everything from eczema to nettle stings to chicken pox, so why not give it a try?
Use a humidifier
A major cause of sensitive skin in children is an environment that is too dry. By investing in a humidifier, you can add more moisture to the air in your home, which will lead to moister, healthier skin for your kids, and less irritation for them going forward too. Pretty simple!
Sensitive skin can be such an upsetting issue for children who suffer from it and the parents who have to see their children struggle with itchiness and irritation, but as you can see, you are not powerless – there are lots of things you can do to help soothe sensitive skin right now, so what are you waiting for?
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